On our most recent trip to Bangkok we joined a daytrip to the famous Damnoen Suduak Floating market and the Maeklong Railway market. We’ve put this off for a while fearing that it would be kind of a tourist trip and not worth it, but we finally decided to give it a chance and booked a guided tour.
We also made a video about our experience, which you can check out below:
What are the Damnoen Suduak Floating market and Maeklong Train Market?
The Damnoen Suduak Floating Market is a market that it’s fully centered around the water, but instead of walking around you’re in a boat floating past all the different market stalls. It’s been around in some shape or form since the 19th century. The became popular for international visitors around the 1970s and the vendors mostly souvenirs and invites tourists to see how floating markets like these operate.
The Maeklong train market is a market as well and you guessed it, here it’s all about the railway. The market is set-up right next to the rail tracks, and when we say right next to it, we mean it. Some stalls are quite literally on the railway tracks. The train that passes by does so 4 times a day, so once the train approaches all the vendors hurry and take away their stall and goods. The second the train has passed the stalls are set up again in record speed, continuing as if nothing happened.
Joining the organized day trip from Bangkok
There are many tour providers offering a day trip to the Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Suduak Floating market and the prices are more or less the same. We decided to pick-one that suited us best in terms of pick-up spot and price and we paid 800 Baht per person, excluding lunch.
The tour we booked started at 08:30 in the morning in front of the SiamScape building, right opposite of the MBK Centre in the Siam District. We’ve learned that since we joined they’ve moved the pick-up spot of our particular trip to the Samyan Mtrtown Mall, which is also easily reached by public transport.
✈️ Reading Tip: Not sure where to stay in Bangkok? Check-out our article about the best areas to stay!
We checked in with the guides 30 minutes in advance which gave us plenty of time to hop into a nearby 7-eleven for two emergency raincoats and a few snacks.
After that we made it to a 16-seater van that was much more luxurious and comfortable than we expected!
As promised we left at exactly 08:30 and made our way to our first stop.
First stop: Baen Laem Railway Station
Before we made it to our first stop we had a quick toilet and snack break at a nearby fuel station which was about 45 minutes into the trip. After that we continued our way and made it to a railway station called Ban Laem.
This railway station is at the end of the rail line that goes all the way through the Maeklong Market. Our tour guide explained that by joining rom here we would beat the crowds, and he was correct. The entire group was able to find a seat and we embarked on a 1-hour journey through the Thai countryside.
Now if you’re imagining a comfortable train ride with cushioned seats and air-conditioning, you’re wrong. We were in and old-school Thai train that comes with 3rd Class seating only, some fans mounted to the ceiling and windows to offer a breeze. We happen to enjoy train rides like these (if they’re not too long) and so we really enjoyed this part of the trip.
At the end of the train ride is where the real fun begins though. We become the attraction ourselves as large crowds had already gathered at the market to witness the train we were in coming into the market. We were welcomed by so many happy faces that it was honestly a very wholesome experience. Just a bunch people being excited to see other excited people on a train.
The Maeklong Railway Market
After you leave the train you step into the market right away, so make sure not to get lost in the crowd.
Now yes, the market itself is kind of touristy with lots of t-shirts and souvenirs and the prices are also slightly inflated. It was very fun however to walk over the tracks and all the goods on offer, including some local fruit and vegetables!
Since the train embarks on its return journey about 10 to 15 minutes after arrival, we found a café that had benches in-front of the rail tracks with some guardrails to keep you safe. We were very much in the mood for a mango smoothie by then so we decided to sit down, enjoy our and watch the train come by.
We can safely say that it was just as fun watching it go by on the rails at only a couple of centimeters away from your way and waving goodbye to all the new passengers on the train. And of course not to forget the spectacle of the vendors quickly removing their awnings and goods for sale when the train started honking, and them just as quickly putting everything back once the train passed by.
After the train spectacle it was time to make our way back to the van and head to our next stop: the Damnoen Suduak floating market!
Damnoen Suduak floating market boat
Our organized visit didn’t start at the market itself, rather at one of the boat services outside of the market. Here we had to chance to take a bathroom break or to go buy souvenirs, before hopping on the boat to buy souvenirs in case we forgot to buy souvenirs at the previous place. Yes, at this point of the tour it’s safe to say that the experience is in fact rather focused on encouraging participants to buy souvenirs. However, I must say we were having a great time so far and were enjoying the experience as is so with that it was time to hop on one of the 6-seater covered motor boat and explore the floating market.
Floating Market Experience
Our floating market visit started with a ride through the canals from where you can witness local life on the water. It was very interesting to see how people go about their daily lives, especially with so many people passing by each day looking into their houses and workshops.
After a nice 15 minute ride we entered the market and stopped at several stalls. You can buy every souvenir imaginable and if you’re hungry there are also stalls offering drinks and snacks such as a delicious mango sticky rice. Ran out of cash? No worries! At a few stalls you can even pay by credit card!
There’s also a walkable area of the market, and after not so graciously getting out of the boat, we spend we walked around for the last bit of the tour. We enjoyed some pad krapow and green curry at the food court and explored the remaining bits of the market that was winding down at that point.
The market is at its busiest in the morning, and while we left at 08.30 with our first stop being the Railway market we didn’t make it until well past noon. There were still some things to do and see, but if you want to experience the market at its most bustling, you definitely need to arrive earlier.
DIY Damnoen Suduak Floating Market visit
If you want to visit the market by yourself without an organized tour you can do so as well and the easiest way to get to Damnoen Suduak is by taxi. Make sure you to go to the official parking lot of the market, and from here you can easily get to the market and organize a boat for your group.
Keep in mind that the prices are regulated and can’t be higher than what’s pictured below for either a rowboat or a motorized boat
The second thing to keep in mind is that the taxi fare from Bangkok to the Floating Market costs around 1000 Baht each way for a standard car. This means that if you’re a solo traveler or traveling as a couple it’s often times cheaper to join an organized tour trip.
Railway and Floating Market Day Trip Conclusion
In conclusion we had a great time on our trip with the train ride and entrance into the railway market being the highlight of our day. We also enjoyed the boat ride and experiencing the shopping on the water even though yes it’s kind of tourist trappy since you’re well… literally trapped on a boat.
To answer the big question whether the tour is worth it or if it’s a tourist trap, we have to say that it really depends on how you look at it. Yes the markets are designed for tourists to buy souvenirs and if you don’t like that this is not for you. But overall we did have a really fun day and we’re glad to have had this experience as the tour was well organized and we got to learn a lot about Thailand along the way.
Stay tuned for more travel and keep exploring!
– Laurens & Laura
FAQs
What is the Maeklong Railway Market?
Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the Train Market in Thailand, is a local market built directly along an active railway track in Samut Songkhram Province. Several times a day, vendors quickly pull back their awnings and move their goods as a train passes through the market. Once the train has gone, the stalls reopen as normal.
What is the Damnoen Suduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand’s most famous traditional floating markets. Located in Ratchaburi Province, the market is known for its colorful produce, Thai snacks, souvenirs and local vendors selling goods directly from their boats.
It’s located around 100 kilometres southwest of Bangkok and is a popular attraction for travelers looking to experience a traditional Thai floating market.
Can you visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by yourself?
Yes, you can visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by yourself DIY-style. From Bangkok, you can travel by taxi, private transfer or public bus. However, arranging a visit by yourself includes costs for two-transport from Bangkok and separate boat-rental which doesn’t become more economical after being in a group of at least 3-4 people.
Where do tours to Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market start from?
Most tours start from Bangkok, with options including hotel pickup, a designated meeting point or a central location such as the city center. Some tours also offer pickup from popular areas including Sukhumvit, Silom, Khao San Road and the riverside.
Pickup arrangements vary by tour, so check the meeting point, pickup time and whether hotel transfers are included before booking.
What do you need to bring on a day trip to Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
For a comfortable day trip we recommend to bring or wear:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A reusable water bottle
- Thai baht for food, souvenirs and optional boat rides
- A small bag that is easy to carry
- Insect repellent
- A camera or smartphone
- An umbrella or light rain jacket during Thailand’s rainy season
Laura is the co-founder of Yes and Explore and a travel professional with over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry. She loves sharing her insider knowledge and practical tips to help you make the most of every trip.
